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Leviticus 23:42 - Sukkot: Divine embrace in booths

Leviticus 23:42 - ויקרא 23:42

Hebrew Text

בַּסֻּכֹּת תֵּשְׁבוּ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים כָּל־הָאֶזְרָח בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל יֵשְׁבוּ בַּסֻּכֹּת׃

English Translation

You shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are home born in Yisra᾽el shall dwell in booths:

Transliteration

Ba'sukot teshev shivat yamim kol ha'ezrach be'Yisrael yeshvu ba'sukot.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּסֻּכֹּ֥ת תֵּשְׁב֖וּ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים כׇּל־הָֽאֶזְרָח֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יֵשְׁב֖וּ בַּסֻּכֹּֽת׃
בַּסֻּכֹּ֥ת תֵּשְׁב֖וּ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים כׇּל־הָֽאֶזְרָח֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יֵשְׁב֖וּ בַּסֻּכֹּֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Dwelling in Sukkot

The verse (Vayikra 23:42) commands Bnei Yisrael to dwell in sukkot for seven days during the festival of Sukkot. This mitzvah applies to all native-born Israelites ("ha-ezrach b'Yisrael"), emphasizing its universal obligation for the Jewish people.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 23:43) explains that the sukkah commemorates the Ananei HaKavod (Clouds of Glory) that surrounded and protected Bnei Yisrael during their 40 years in the wilderness. The sukkah thus serves as a tangible reminder of Hashem's divine protection and providence.

Who is Obligated?

  • The phrase "kol ha-ezrach b'Yisrael" (all native-born Israelites) is interpreted in the Talmud (Sukkah 27b) to include converts, as they are considered part of the Jewish nation.
  • Women are exempt from this mitzvah according to most opinions, as it is a time-bound positive commandment (Rambam, Hilchot Sukkah 6:1).

The Nature of "Dwelling"

The Mishnah (Sukkah 2:9) states that one should "teishvu k'ein taduru"—dwell in the sukkah as one would dwell in a home. This includes eating, sleeping, and engaging in leisure activities there. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Sukkah 6:5) clarifies that temporary discomfort (such as rain or extreme cold) exempts one from this obligation.

Symbolism of the Sukkah

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:2) teaches that the sukkah represents both physical and spiritual protection. Just as the Clouds of Glory shielded Bnei Yisrael in the desert, the sukkah symbolizes our reliance on Hashem's protection in all generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sukkah 27a
The verse is discussed in the context of the obligation to dwell in the sukkah during the festival of Sukkot, emphasizing that all native-born Israelites must fulfill this commandment.
📖 Sukkah 28b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the conditions under which one is exempt from dwelling in the sukkah, such as illness or rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'You shall dwell in booths seven days' mean?
A: This verse commands the Jewish people to dwell in temporary huts called 'sukkot' for seven days during the holiday of Sukkot. This commemorates how the Israelites lived in similar structures during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after leaving Egypt (Rashi on Leviticus 23:43).
Q: Why is dwelling in a sukkah important?
A: Dwelling in the sukkah reminds us of our dependence on Hashem's protection, just as He protected our ancestors in the wilderness. The Rambam teaches that this mitzvah helps us remember the miracles of the Exodus and strengthens our faith (Hilchot Sukkah 1:1).
Q: Who is required to sit in the sukkah?
A: The verse states 'all that are home born in Israel' - meaning all Jewish people are obligated. The Talmud (Sukkah 28a) explains that women are exempt but may choose to participate, while children should be educated about the mitzvah from a young age.
Q: How do we fulfill the mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah today?
A: We fulfill this by eating our meals in the sukkah and ideally sleeping there as well (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 639). The sukkah must have at least two full walls and a partial third wall, with a roof (schach) made from natural materials like branches or bamboo.
Q: What spiritual lesson can we learn from sitting in the sukkah?
A: The temporary nature of the sukkah teaches us humility and reminds us that material comforts are fleeting. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:12) compares the sukkah to the 'clouds of glory' that protected the Israelites, showing that true security comes from Hashem.